Fifty-nine points, really

The Bears opened the season by beating the Panthers 59-37 in Charlotte. It was their highest-scoring game in 45 years and, at 552 yards, the most they have ever gained.

“Whoa, 59-37!?”

The call that should have backfired

Ben Johnson went for it on fourth-and-one from his own 21 in the second quarter. The sneak failed, Carolina scored quickly off the short field, and the game was suddenly tied 21-21.

Ego, or genius

You can call the decision reckless and be right. You can also call it the kind of fearless move a loaded offense loves playing for.

“Call it ego. Call it arrogance. Call it recklessness.”

Imagine they had lost

Nobody was still complaining about the sneak after 59 points. In a version of Sunday where the Bears go 0-1, that gamble is remembered as an outrageous gaffe.

It was close longer than you think

The game stayed up for grabs into the third quarter because Bryce Young kept answering. For a stretch, the Panthers quarterback matched Williams in a duel of former No. 1 picks.

Evel Knievel energy

Some people climb on a motorcycle and aim at the Caesars Palace fountains. Johnson stares at reporters and says he wants to score more points than any team in NFL history.

“Evel Knievel felt pretty good about attempting to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace, too.”

Chasing 37.9

Johnson points his players at the 2013 Broncos and their 37.9 points per game. That kind of target makes guys block a beat longer and believe a little harder.

“You're damn right we can top that”

He'll do it again

He should have sent the punter out. He didn't, he survived, and he walked away without a scratch. So expect the same call next time.

Quarterback: A

Williams settled a 7-0 hole with a third-and-long dart to Luther Burden, hit Rome Odunze 55 yards downfield off one foot while rolling out, and found Cole Kmet from 22.

“Is it too soon to give the league's MVP award to Williams?”

Williams ran it too

Ten carries for 65 yards and two rushing touchdowns did even more damage than his arm. It was the best regular-season game of his career.

Running game: A

D'Andre Swift justified his new three-year extension with 18 carries, 124 yards and three scores. Kyle Monangai added a 61-yard touchdown run.

“The Panthers will see guard Jonah Jackson and tackle Darnell Wright in their nightmares.”

Receivers: A

Odunze had the spectacular catch and Burden put up five for 63 after an early fumble, but new Bear Kalif Raymond stole it with eight catches and a pile of diving grabs.

“Man, every team could use a guy like this.”

Defense: C

They surrendered 478 yards and 37 points. Jaylon Johnson is still chasing Jalen Coker and Jonathon Brooks, and the linebackers barely showed up.

“How great can one feel about a "D" that gave up 478 yards and 37 points?”

Bright spots on defense

Jaylon Johnson punched the ball out of Tetairoa McMillan's hands, rookie safety Dillon Thieneman tackled well, rookie corner Malik Muhammad picked one off, and Montez Sweat got his first sack.

Special teams: B-plus

Cairo Santos dropped a kickoff short of the landing zone and handed Carolina the 40. Tory Taylor averaged 51 yards punting, Kaden Davis recovered a muff, and Dayo Odenigbo blocked a PAT.

The turnover math holds

Burden fumbled on the third play and the Bears still won the takeaway battle 3-1. Last season they led the NFL with 33 takeaways against just 11 giveaways.

Where was Loveland

Fifty-nine points and tight end Colston Loveland caught nothing. No. 84 will be fine, but it is a strange line in a game like this.

“Oh, relax, he'll be fine.”

Vikings up next

Minnesota visits Soldier Field in Week 2, possibly without Kyler Murray, who left the Packers game hurt. Carson Wentz played well in relief, and the Bears will take that matchup.

What they really meant

Johnson said the team is playing its worst football early. Panthers coach Dave Canales said he could not wait to watch the film and get to the heart of what happened.

“Anybody seen the Maalox?”